Spite: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when someone does something with the intention of hurting or upsetting another person, often out of resentment or bitterness.

• She broke his favorite vase out of spite
• He sent the email out of pure spite

Typically used in more formal or legal contexts to indicate intent to cause harm or suffering deliberately.

• The defendant acted with malice
• His criticism was filled with malice

Describes an ongoing or characteristic behavior of being mean or malicious. It emphasizes the attitude rather than one particular action.

• Her spitefulness ruined many friendships
• His spitefulness was evident in his constant nasty remarks

Refers to a strong desire for revenge. It suggests an ongoing determination to seek retribution and can imply a more intense level of malevolence.

• His vindictiveness made it difficult for him to move on
• She spread rumors out of vindictiveness

Used to describe actions meant to intentionally hurt or upset someone, often out of malice or revenge. It has a negative connotation.

• He refused to help her out of sheer spite.
• She spread rumors about him out of spite.

Used to describe someone being troubled or distressed, often by something complicated or ongoing. It carries a more formal tone.

• She was vexed by the constant delays in the project.
• The complex rules in the game began to vex him.

Similar to 'annoy', but can suggest a slightly stronger feeling of irritation or frustration.

• It irks me when people don't clean up after themselves.
• His bad manners irk everyone at the dinner table.

A general term for causing mild irritation or discomfort to someone, usually unintentionally or without a deep emotional motive.

• The loud noise from the construction site really started to annoy me.
• Her constant questions can annoy people sometimes.